Law on Prevention of Domestic Violence 2017

Brief Description

The Law on Prevention of Domestic Violence establishes multi-sectoral cooperation between the national authorities in the planning of individual assistance and support to victims within coordination and cooperation groups which have been established in every basic public prosecutor’s office. After the adoption of the Law, the Government established a Council for Combating Domestic Violence, which is responsible for monitoring the implementation of the Law and improving the coordination and effectiveness of prevention and protection from domestic violence and other acts of gender-based violence which the law stipulates. 

The Law on Prevention of Domestic Violence introduced urgent protective measures, such as temporary removal of the perpetrator from the home, temporary ban to the perpetrator from contacting the survivor of violence and restraining orders. The measures are imposed by a specialized police officer, based on risk assessment, for a period of 48 hours, while the acting public prosecutor has the authority to request a 30-day extension of protective measures from the court. Violation of protective measures is punishable by a 60-day misdemeanour prison sentence. Short legal deadlines are prescribed for government action.